India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on 26 January 2025. This day is celebrated every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and the transition from colonial rule to a republic.
Republic Day 2025 Key Highlights
- Chief Guest: President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest on the occasion of Indian Republic Day 2025.
- Indonesian Marching Contingent: A 160-member marching contingent of Indonesia and a 190-member band participated along with units of the Indian Armed Forces in the parade to be held on Kartavya Path on 26 January 2025.
- Cultural Performances: 300 cultural artists performed cultural performances on various musical instruments including “Saare Jahan Se Accha”.
- Tableaux: 31 tableaux from various states, union territories and central ministries will participate in the parade.
- Main Theme: Golden India – Heritage and Development: The main focus was on “Golden India: Heritage and Development”.
- 75 Years of Constitution: Two tableaux displayed the achievement of 75 years of Constitution.
- Joint Tableau of Armed Forces: For the first time, a joint tableau of the three armed forces passed through the path of duty.
- Important Attractions: This year’s Republic Day included special programs on the 150th anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and India Meteorological Department.
- Cultural Program: More than 5000 artists performed 45 Indian dance styles in a cultural program called “Jaiti Jai Mam Bharatam” organized by the Ministry of Culture.
- Veer Gatha 4.0: The edition of Veer Gatha program was organized to honor the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, in which about 1.76 crore students from all over the country participated.
- Sukhoi showed its flair in the 76th Republic Day parade: The Indian Air Force presented a fly-past on the path of duty during the 76th Republic Day parade. During this, Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft was seen. 40 aircraft took part in this parade.
- Apache fighter helicopter gave a thrilling performance: On the 76th Republic Day, the Air Force presented a fly-past on the path of duty during the parade. A total of 40 aircraft including 22 fighter aircraft, 11 transport aircraft and 7 helicopters were included in it. Also 3 Apache helicopters also performed.
- BSF camel contingent performed in the parade: During the 76th Republic Day parade on the path of duty in Delhi, BSF and NCC contingent performed along with the BSF camel contingent. The enthusiasm of the NCC youth was worth seeing in this.
- Brahmos missile, Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system displayed: Brahmos missile and Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system were displayed on the path of duty in the Republic Day parade. Everyone felt proud seeing this.
- Bharat Parv: The Ministry of Culture organized Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from 26 to 31 January 2025, which included Republic Day tableaux and military bands.
- NCC Rally: The theme “Yuva Shakti – Vikasit Bharat” will be prominently displayed in the Prime Minister’s NCC rally on 27 January 2025.
- Beating Retreat Ceremony: The Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk on 29 January 2025.
Republic Day of India: Introduction and History
Introduction
- Republic Day is celebrated in India every year on 26 January, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the transformation of India from a colony to a republic.
- This day marks the time when the Indian Constitution came into force in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 and establishing a sovereign, democratic republic.
- This day is special because on 26 January 1930, the Indian National Congress (INC) declared complete independence i.e. Purna Swaraj from British rule. Thus, this day holds an important place in India’s journey towards independence and self-rule.
- The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, but it came into effect on 26 January 1950. India formally became a republic on this day.
- On this day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India, and the new government structure under the Constitution began functioning.
History
- Before Independence (1900-1947): India was under British colonial rule in the early 20th century. The freedom struggle gained momentum in the 1920s when several major movements took place, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- In 1927, the British government appointed the Simon Commission to discuss political reforms in India. There was major opposition to this because it did not have Indian representation.
- In response, the Indian National Congress set up its own commission headed by Motilal Nehru and submitted the Nehru Report in 1928, demanding Dominion Status for India. However, the British government did not implement it immediately.
- The Lahore Congress session in 1929 was an important one, when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting British rule. This decision led to the demand for complete independence and the need for a national constitution.
- After this, the official declaration of independence was made on 26 January 1930. Congress called upon Indians to celebrate this day as a festival. Since then, Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January.
Role of the Constituent Assembly (1946-1949):
- After the independence of India on 15 August 1947, the country initially started working under the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the Government of India Act 1935. After this, a Constituent Assembly was formed, whose purpose was to prepare a new constitution.
- In August 1947, the Constitution Committee was formed, which was to prepare a complete constitution under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- On 26 November 1949, the Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
- The Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, and India formally became a republic country. From then on, India came out of the dominion of the British Crown and began operating under a sovereign, democratic rule.
Main points
This year India completed 75 years of becoming a republic, which was celebrated with a special theme – ‘Golden India: Development and Heritage’. According to this theme, tableaux of 16 states and union territories and 15 central ministries were displayed. In the Republic Day parade, these tableaux bind India in the thread of unity. The culture of different states and their achievements are shown in the tableaux.
Tableaux of 15 states
- Madhya Pradesh Theme: Leopards of Kuno National Park The tableau of Madhya Pradesh showed the conservation of Kuno National Park and the leopard there.
- Uttar Pradesh Theme: Mahakumbh 2025 – Golden India Heritage and Development The tableau of Uttar Pradesh was on “Mahakumbh 2025”. Through this, the cultural heritage and development of the state was shown.
- Delhi Theme: Quality Education Quality education was shown in the tableau of Delhi. This tableau was telling the priority and innovation of the state.
- Bihar Theme: Golden India: Heritage and Development (Nalanda University) Bihar’s tableau showcased the heritage of Nalanda University under the theme of “Golden India: Heritage and Development”.
- Jharkhand Theme: Golden Jharkhand: A legacy of heritage and progress Jharkhand’s tableau showcased the cultural heritage and development of the state under “Golden Jharkhand”.
- Punjab Theme: Punjab, the land of knowledge and wisdom The tableau of Punjab was dedicated to Baba Sheikh Farid. Along with this, a glimpse of rural Punjab was also given.
- Chandigarh Theme: City Beautiful Chandigarh’s tableau showcased heritage, innovation as well as the beauty of the city.
- West Bengal Theme: ‘Lakshmi Bhandar’ and ‘Lok Prasar Prakalp’ West Bengal’s tableau was based on “Lakshmi Bhandar” and “Lok Prasar Prakalp”, which promote self-reliance and empowerment.
- Karnataka Theme: Lakkundi: The origin of stone crafts Karnataka’s tableau showcased the stone craftsmanship of Lakkundi. It was showing the historical heritage of the state.
- Andhra Pradesh Theme: Etikoppaka Bommalu- Eco-friendly wooden toys Andhra Pradesh showcased the eco-friendly wooden toys of Etikoppaka in its tableau.
- Uttarakhand Theme: Uttarakhand: Cultural heritage and adventure sports Uttarakhand’s tableau showcased the cultural heritage and adventure sports of the state. It showcases the natural beauty and tourism of the state.
- Goa Theme: Cultural heritage of Goa Goa’s tableau showcased the cultural heritage of the state. It had a glimpse of Goa’s folk dance, art and music.
- Gujarat Theme: Golden India: Heritage and Development Gujarat’s tableau showcased the state’s heritage as well as modern progress.
- Tripura Theme: Eternal faith: Worship of 14 deities in Tripura Tripura’s tableau showcased the religious and cultural heritage of the state through Kharchi Puja.
- Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Theme: Daman Aviary Bird Park with Kukri Memorial – Tribute to the brave sailors of the Indian Navy This tableau showcased the Aviary Bird Park and Kukri Memorial of Daman. It paid tribute to the brave sailors of the Indian Navy.